Gov’t allocates GH¢250M in 2027 budget for completion of Blekusu Coastal Protection Project

President John Mahama has announced an additional GH¢250 million allocation in the 2027 budget for the continuation and completion of the Blekusu Phase Two Coastal Protection Project.

The President said the funding is intended to ensure the uninterrupted execution of the project intended to deal with the severity of coastal erosion in the area.

Addressing the 2026 Hogbetsotso Festival, President Mahama said the additional allocation is in response to appeals by traditional leaders and residents for the project to be completed.

“I have also heard your appeal for the uninterrupted continuation and completion of the Blekusu Phase Two Coastal Protection Project,” he said.

“I wish to announce to you that I am happy with the progress of WACA, and I am pleased to inform you that an additional amount of GH¢250 million has been allocated in the 2027 Budget for the continuation and completion of the Blekusu Phase Two Project.”

The announcement comes amid concerns about the impact of coastal erosion on communities along Ghana's coastline, particularly homes, fishing livelihoods, schools and other community infrastructure.

The Blekusu Phase Two project is expected to protect an eight-kilometre stretch of coastline, covering Blekusu, Agavedzi, Salakope, Amutsinu and Adina in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region.

The project was officially launched in July 2025 and is designed to protect the five communities from persistent tidal waves and coastal erosion, which have destroyed homes, displaced residents and threatened livelihoods over the years.

It involves the construction of 37 groynes, reinforced embankments and dune restoration works. Additional facilities, including a modern fish market, cold storage and fish processing facilities, are also part of the development plan. The project is being undertaken by Amandi Holdings Limited.

Beyond the Blekusu project, President Mahama announced that GH¢685 million has been allocated to commence coastal protection interventions under the West African Coastal Areas Resilience Investment Project (WACA).

He said the funding would support a combination of engineering and environmental interventions to address coastal erosion and protect vulnerable communities.

The President added that the project would also involve lagoon and watershed rehabilitation, alongside livelihood support for communities within the targeted programme areas, particularly young people, women and persons with disabilities.

WACA is a coastal resilience programme designed to address erosion, flooding, pollution and environmental degradation along vulnerable coastal areas. It combines physical infrastructure with environmental restoration and community-level interventions.

President Mahama also called on traditional authorities and residents to support efforts to protect mangroves and wetlands, warning that their destruction weakens the shoreline and increases the vulnerability of coastal communities.

“It is a known fact that the unrestricted destruction of mangroves and coastal vegetation weakens our shoreline and leaves our coast vulnerable to erosion,” he said.

He urged residents to support the protection of the natural environment as part of efforts to safeguard coastal settlements.